The glamorous ball induced a sense of disgust.

Ouyang Shi stared at the crowd of adults wearing forced professional smiles and felt utterly bored.

"Little brother..."

She looked up. Countless stars shimmered across the sky, weaving a breathtaking star map. But Ouyang Shi’s gaze wasn’t on the stars—it clung to her brother, miles away.

For three straight weeks, every night brought grand banquets that had lost all meaning as mere dinners. This exhausted Ouyang Shi completely. Strangely, the other three never tired of it. Ouyang Feng, two years younger, dressed flamboyantly each evening, enchanting every young talent at the parties.

Tonight was no exception. Clad in a pure white gown, Ouyang Feng chatted happily with a circle of admirers, champagne glass in hand. Nearby, Ouyang Long and Ouyang Lijia mingled with adults, bursting into laughter often.

"Ugh... so boring..."

Ouyang Shi sighed heavily and looked away.

Tomorrow was the final, most crucial day of the Magic Exchange Conference. The magic skills exhibition would crown its champion—and the winner would receive a reward of their choice from the Heavenly Ruler. Anything: wealth, weapons, talents. Well, within acceptable limits...

—Someone once requested to marry the Heavenly Ruler. So...

........

.....

..

"Miss Ouyang, you’re stunning tonight."

"Hehe, thank you. I’m just being myself."

"If this is your true self, no one in this world is more beautiful."

"You flatter me, young master."

Ouyang Feng raised her glass with a smile. The elegantly suited young man facing her clinked glasses back.

As she sipped her wine, her gaze slid sideways—catching the blue-clad figure from the corner of her eye...

"Excuse me for a moment."

"Of course."

After politely dismissing the men, Ouyang Feng joined Ouyang Shi on the chilly balcony.

"My dear sister, what are you doing here?"

"........"

Silence, as always. Ouyang Feng didn’t mind; her mood was radiant.

"Oh, if I didn’t know you spoke, many would think you mute."

Ouyang Shi shot her a sideways glance before returning to the stars.

"But it’s fine. Better you stay quiet. This conference isn’t yours. I!" She jabbed a finger at her chest. "I’m the star. Tomorrow’s battle too. You didn’t even register—how could you show your strength before the Heavenly Ruler? Oh!" Her grin turned eerie, as if remembering a delight. "You’ve ignored everything, haven’t you? The champion gets a special reward—a promise from the Heavenly Ruler. A wish for anything. Even giving your brother a good life. But alas... such a pity. You lost your chance to save him."

She patted Ouyang Shi’s shoulder and left with a satisfied smile.

"......."

The face turned from Ouyang Feng’s retreating back shifted violently: anger, shock, hatred—then regret.

Ouyang Shi had never shown such vivid emotions outside her brother’s presence. But now wasn’t the time. Ouyang Feng’s words had struck deep. Why had she come to Radiance? To make Ouyang Long honor their agreement—to let Ouyang Ge keep his small space. Yet another way existed... and her own indifference had given it away.

"Damn it........."

Her hand clenched fiercely on the railing. For the first time, Ouyang Shi felt utterly helpless.

"Hehe, my daughter, what troubles you?"

A man’s voice cut in. She knew it—Ouyang Long. Turning, she saw him smiling behind her. That smile still sickened her, but now wasn’t the time!

"I..."

"You want a spot in the exchange competition?"

"Yes......."

"Sadly, I can’t help. You should’ve been the star. But your cold indifference cost you every chance. Now, you reap the bitter fruit. I won’t let Ouyang Ge die—I can’t lose you from the Ouyang Clan. Just endure tomorrow. Then return home and study."

"......."

Ouyang Shi’s mind went blank. Only his words echoed: "I can’t help you." Despair crept in. She’d never regretted anything so deeply.

—Her icy mask shattered completely, leaving a helpless little girl...

What to do...

Her heart asked. The answer was only one: [No way]. When Ouyang Long refused, everything lost meaning. Ouyang Ge’s life wouldn’t end yet—but Ouyang Shi couldn’t face her brother with this failure.

"Hi there, beautiful young lady. We meet again!"

A second voice reached her. Recognizing it, she slowly lifted her head.

—The bespectacled man stood smiling beside her.

"Get lost...."

To hide her weakness, Ouyang Shi turned her back on him.

"Bored, I wandered over—and found you! What fate!"

"Get lost!!!"

The ground, railing, everything around her froze instantly. Ice-blue, she stood like a queen in the eerie stillness.

"Sigh... calm down, Miss Ouyang Shi."

Unfazed, the bespectacled man moved freely in the absolute zero chill. He steadied her trembling shoulders.

Snap...

Something dropped. An ice bead—her tear—glistened on the floor.

"Get away... don’t pity me... I... I don’t need it... even alone... I can..."

More ice beads fell as she sank weakly to her knees.

The bespectacled man’s expression softened. He didn’t know Ouyang Ge’s story—he didn’t grasp her pain—but pity filled him anyway.

"A true gentleman can’t ignore a beautiful lady’s tears."

Reasons to help could be simple. He had no excuse to walk away.

Kneeling behind her, he gently turned her frail shoulders until she faced him.

"Listen, Ouyang Shi. I can help you."

"Eh?"

Her tear-streaked face lifted in surprise.

"I can help... I swear by my name, Zokilia von Gilgenia—I won’t let you shed tears of regret again."

After the solemn vow, Zokilia extended his right hand, waiting.

"I... I!"

She wiped her tears fiercely, gritted her teeth, and placed her hand in his...

The sleeping, suppressed Ouyang Shi—perhaps it was time to awaken...